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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Help Polka Dot Galoshes raise money for Autism!

I know, a garden blog what's that got to do with Autism? April is the month for Autism Awareness and this is my way of shining some light and raising some funds for a disorder that hits close to home. Its amazing how many families it really does effect, if not personally you may know someone who's life has been turned upside down by it.
For me its my little gardening buddy, nature lover and bird fanatic...my sweet son Harry!

Some might say our life was turned up side down on 17th July 2009 when my then 7yr old son was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. But really our life with Harry had always been upside down, we had know since he was 18mths old that something was going on with our little guy, I think the headbutting of walls and the non-verbal till he was 5 was a huge red flag, things no parent wants to see their child go through. After years of frustrations and many dead-ends as to how to help our son we were honestly re-leaved to finally have an answer.

I now want to do my part, by helping give back, so I thought I'll try using my blog. Its my first time doing anything like this, so its a see what happens and hope for the best type of thing! By raising funds and awareness I am hoping more families can be helped with accessible services and early interventions...therapies help and my son is real proof of that.

Please help me raise money for Autism Speaks by...

posting a link to my blog

copying my badge to your blog

following my blog, facebook or twitter

and I'll donate $1 for each one...thank you so much for any support!!
Cheers Harry & Julia xx

In the state of Washington (where we live) Autism is not a recognized medical condition with insurance companies and is highly capped under Mental Health...we pay over $1000 a month on therapies, out of pocket...ouch! But worth every cent =)

12 comments:

Julia as an educator and special educator I am well aware of autism and what it can do to families and how early intervention and diagnosis can help...I will proudly wear your badge on my blog and posts. I already follow you on FB and have your blog listed on my blogroll. I am sad to hear that insurance does not help. I know there are many programs in school districts and pre-schools here in NY to help children with autism, but so much more is needed. I am astounded at the numbers diagnosed now. We definitely need more research and programs. This is such a wonderful thing you are doing...

Donna, Huge Huge Thank you!! For the past 6yrs I have worked with many special needs teachers and I have nothing but total appreciation and gratitude for all that you do, a true hero for our special little kiddo's indeed! Thanks again for adding my badge. Cheers Julia xxxx

ps. Just to clarify, We are lucky insurance covers a large portion of his therapies under mental health, but at the end of the day there is still so much out of pocket. I couldn't imagine doing this without insurance and it breaks my heart to think of the kids missing out on services because there is no insurance or funding.

I'll be putting your badge on my blog! And linking to your blog :) I already follow you on FB. We have children with Autism in our extended family and have been so thankful that services were available to help. It has made a tremendous difference in their lives. Cheers, Jenni

Thank you, Thank you so very much Jenni! Services are priceless, I am so happy to hear its been able to help those in your family, its wonderful to see it making a difference and not only for the child but the whole family. Its those little moments when you see them achieve something that thought may never come, something as simple as talking or getting dressed. Those breakthroughs make it all worth while! Thanks again Jenni, Huge hugs Julia xxxx

It's Autism Awareness month here in Australia as well. My five year old grandson was diagnosed last year and his two year old brother screams and bangs his head rather than speak so we are expecting he will be diagnosed as well. They are wonderful little boys, but I know what my daughter goes through. Most people, including many health professionals, don't understand ASD. If we can increase awareness as well as funding of services it will a great help.

Thanks Missy for sharing, huge hugs to you and your daughter and especially those two gorgeous little guys. I hope they get the help they need from understanding professionals and that your daughter feels supported on her journey, she is lucky to have you. I wish my mom was closer, all my family is back in Australia while my husband and I are doing this alone with our boys in the USA. Family support and understanding is a beautiful thing! Cheers Julia xx

Thanks Beth, I thought any little bit will help, I'm not out to break a record with raising funds, but hope I can at least hit the $100 mark. First time doing anything like this, so we will see how it goes =) Cheers Julia xx

I've got an autistic daughter. She's an Asperger and is now 26 years old. There is so much more available to help kids now. I home schooled her until high school and she's doing pretty well, all things considered. I'm at work now so I can't make any commitments. I'll try to log on again after I get home. Your little Harry is adorable and quite the artist.

Thanks Grace for sharing and huge hugs to you and your daughter! I am always in awe of mothers that have already been down this path, especially when you think how far awareness has come even in just the last 10years. Cheers to you Grace, you are an inspiration. Hugs Julia xx

Hi Julia! What a lovely way to raise awareness. I have already liked you on FB and I just tried to subscribe via the ATOM option although I don't know for sure if it worked. I hope that one day there will be more state support for this disorder. I love reading your blog and have posted a link to your blog on my blog under the "Blog Swap" section.

We have autism in our extended family as well.I hate to see my little nephew struggle so bravely with the social ostracism he encounters from his peers. He just doesn't fit in however hard he tries. I've copied your button.